We're All A Little Mad Here

9th Holiday Shopping Event

Featuring local artisans, entrepreneurs and imports from foreign lands.

Free Admission

Jewellery, clothing, art cards, bags, t-shirts, kids stuff, gourmet soaps, knitted items and much more. Fair trade treasures and non-profit ventures.

Free kid’s crafts 1pm-3pm

Vendor list

Sparrow Avenue
S’up Cuz
Sneaky Moose Suedeworks
Operation Sock Monkey
Granny Gold
RedHen Craft
Leila Cools’ Fused Glass
Jet.Designs

Jewelry and Custom Gloves, Truth and Beauty Organic Skin Care Products, Hand Died Accessories and Fimo Accessories

Diamond Jane
Katie Muth original prints
Kaotic Ekko’s Curiosities
Knotted Nest
Amita Sen Gupta-Visual Artist
Étoile
Fehu

Sun. Dec. 4

ARTISANS' GIFT FAIR

Sun. Dec. 4

12-6pm

TRANZAC

292 Brunswick Ave.
Toronto, ON.

WEBSITE

Every year during the holiday season, The Artisans' Gift Fair hosts a fine collection of affordable one-of-a-kind gift products. Vendors gather at the Tranzac, located in the Annex at Bloor and Brunswick, displaying quality handcrafted gifts that range from funky contemporary to a sophisticated classic style.

Whether you're buying for a friend or loved one, or buying for yourself, you're guaranteed to find a treasure.

FREE ADMISSION

SUN. DEC. 11

FROST BITE:

The Bazaar of the Bizarre

Sunday, Dec.11

12pm - 8pm

The Great Hall

1087 Queen st. West

Toronto, ON

Frost Bite: is a delicious cocktail of darker arts and crafts!

A holiday marketplace for any shoppers that like to support handcrafted and out of the ordinary gifts!

FREE to attend!

Come shop, have fun, listen to some good tunes or just hang out.

Music provided by our incredible DJ's:

Jonah K (www.teknotribes.com)

Sausy Misso { http://www.saucymiso.com/}

DJ Hangman (http://djhangedman.com/)

DJ Drumatix ( http://www.vimeo.com/user7365045)

Vendor List: (we will be adding links and websites soon)

Baby's First BOO! http://stores.ebay.ca/babysfirstboo

The Bird behind the Mask http://www.sarahlegault.com/sarah_legault/About.html

Angelyques Trinkets www.angelyques.etsy.com

Bad Bunny Puppets www.badbunnypuppets.etsy.com

Beat Black www.beatblack.etsy.com

BitchCraft www.bitchcraft.ca

Black Orchid Designs www.blackorchiddesigns.ca

CGMonsters http://www.etsy.com/people/CGMonsters

Chained Reaction www.chainedreactiondesigns.com

ChiZine Publications http://chizinepub.com/

Cinched Tight Corsets www.cinchedtight.com

ClockworkZero www.clockworkzero.etsy.com

Curious Ltb.

Curious Oddities www.curiousoddities.ca

Dear Sukie www.dearsukie.etsy.com

earth{en} wind www.facebook.com/earthenwind

Eden Bachelder (http://www.edenbachelder.com/)

Encyclopedia gothica http://www.liisaladouceur.com/tag/encyclopedia-gothica/

Ever & Bliss http://www.EverandBliss.etsy.com/

FUTURSTATE www.futurstate.com

Gothic Gourds www.gothicgourds.com

hyper.textstyles http://hypertextstyles.webs.com/

Jana Falls

Justin Erickson www.justin-erickson.com

Jonah K (www.teknotribes.com)

jaxamuse (http://www.jackielevitt.com/)

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities www.kaoticekkoscuriosities.artfire.com

Lana Opus

Magic Cow

Michele Witt Studio http://www.michelewittstudio.com/

Paige Reynolds www.paigereynoldsart.com

Papersnake Jewellery www.papersnake.ca

Peculiar Potions

Plastik Wap www.plastikwrap.com

Roxy Swing Creations http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoxySwingCreations

Sadistic Vanity www.sadisticvanity.com

Salon Mouton Knits

Strange Dames http://www.morbidoutlook.com/strangedames/

Sci Feye Candy www.scifeyecandy.com

Streetprints http://www.etsy.com/people/Streetprints?ref=si_pr

Sword in the Stone Crafts www.swordinthestone.ca

Teetoo www.teetoo.net

Torched Studio www.torchedstudio.com

Valkyria http://www.valkyria.ca/

Sick On Sin www.sickonsin.com

Vincent Marcone http://www.mypetskeleton.com/

SAT. DEC. 24

THE LAST MINUTE MARKET

Saturday, Dec.24

2pm - midnight

TRANZAC

292 Brunswick Ave.

Toronto, ON

Last Minute Market
Craft fair and one of a kind art show.

Christmas Eve
2pm until Midnight!

Get all your last minute holiday shopping done in one location!

Skip the Mall and Shop Handmade this Holiday Season!

The bar will be open and gift wrapping will be available!

OPEN LATE Christmas Eve!

Vendors:

Emily Cocarell (www.argyleacorn.blogspot.com)

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities (www.KaoticEkkosCuriosities.artfire.com)

Ransack the Universe (http://ransacktheuniverse.com)

Woolybullyco

A Clockwork Zero (http://www.clockworkzero.etsy.com)

Still Life Home (www.stilllifehome.etsy.com)

Evi Glassman

I Love Puffy Love (www.ILOVEPUFFYLOVE.com)

Cozied Up (www.coziedup.web.officelive.com)

Avalon Myst Creations (http://avalonmystcreations.com)

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TheLastMinuteMarket

Email: TheLastMinuteMarket@gmail.com

Twitter: @LastMinMrkt

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities is now at

THE ARTS MARKET!

1114 Queen St East,

Toronto, ON

Toronto's first year 'round indoor arts market, with over 25 artists and makers under one roof! You can find painters, crafters, silver smiths, jewelers, photographers, and much more. This is the place to find locally-made art, beautiful objects for your home and unique gifts while enjoying the new social shopping scene in the heart of Leslieville and free parking!

HOURS

Wednesday - Thursday

12pm-7pm

Friday

2pm-10pm

Saturday

11am-7pm

Sunday

11am-5:30pm

VENDOR CALL: The Last Minute Market

2011-11-20T19:23:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Emily and I are putting on a holiday show!

VENDOR CALL!
The Last Minute Market
Craft fair and one of a kind art show.

December 24th
2pm until Midnight!

Get all your last minute holiday shopping done in one location!

The Tranzac Club; 292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto

Located between Bathurst and Spadina, off of Bloor.

Show time is 2:00pm until 12:00 am (Midnight)

Set up time is between 12:45 and 2pm

The fee for a table is 50$.

Application deadline is December 3rd

To Apply to be a vendor:

Please send an email to: TheLastMinuteMarket@gmail.com

List the following details;

Name:

Email:

Website:

Twitter:

What do you make/ plan on selling?

Please attach photos if you can.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Emily & Mel!

THIS SUNDAY (10/23): The Bazaar of the Bizarre Halloween Marketplace!!!

2011-10-20T17:29:00.000-04:00

SUN. OCT. 23

BAZAAR OF THE BIZARRE

Sunday, Oct. 23

11am - 7pm

Pia Bouman School For Ballet

6 Noble Street

Toronto, ON

Applications for vendors are now being accepted.

Plastik Wrap is please to bring you Halloween edition of our popular:
The Bazaar of the Bizarre!
October 23rd/2011, from 11am till 7pm, FREE to attend.

The Bazaar of the Bizarre is a bi-annual marketplace that takes place in Toronto Canada.
Its full of independent artist, crafts makers, designers and other fun things.

We will hav ea GHOULISH stilt walker HALA
Circus performances by the talented ladies from Circus Alchemy (featuring mobot, sadie spins, and faeya tal)
www.circusalchemy.com

music all day provided by our amazing DJ's:
Jonah K (www.teknotribes.com)
Sausy Misso
DJ Hangman

Vendor list:
Auxiliary magazine (http://auxiliarymagazine.com/)
Black Currant Jewelry (http://blackcurrantjewelry.deviantart.com/)
BitchCraft (BitchCraft.ca)
Bunners cake
Chatpeaux www.chatpeaux.com
ChiZine Publications (http://chizinepub.com/)
ClockworkZero (www.clockworkzero.etsy.com)
Creepy Christine (www.creepychristine.com)
Chained Reactions
Dark Destiny (www.darkdestinydesigns.org)
earth{en} wind (www.facebook.com/earthenwind)
Eden Bachelder Fine Art (www.edenbachelder.com/paintings.html)
Encyclopedia Gothica (http://www.liisaladouceur.com/)
jaxamuse & jonah k (www.jackielevitt.com & www.teknotribes.com)
Jen Tsuchida - Felt Artist (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4gatsu1/)
Justin Erickson (www.justin-erickson.com)
Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities (www.kaoticekkoscuriosities.artfire.com)
Magpie Creations (http://magpiecreations.ca/)
Michael Archibald (www.michaelarchibald.ca)
mike riley (http://jrworm.com/art/art.html)
My Ghoul Friday (www.ghoulfriday.com)
Paige Reynolds (www.paigereynoldsart.com)
Pamela Williams (www.interlog.com/~romantic)
Papersnake Jewellery (www.papersnake.ca)
Peculiar Potions
Pixie Fashion (www.pixiefashions.etsy.com)
Plastik Wrap (www.plastikwrap.com)
Random Pretty Things (http://www.flickr.com/photos/randomprettythings/sets)
Roxy Swing Creations (http://www.etsy.com/people/Orangeroxy31)
Sadistic Vanity (www.sadisticvanity.com)
Sandy and Laura (http://www.etsy.com/shop/greenhairedchick)
Sci Feye Candy (www.scifeyecandy.com)
Sew Scary (www.sewscary.com)
Sick On Sin (http://www.sickonsin.com/)
The Circus Store
Through A Cracked Lens Photography (www.crackedlensphoto.com)
Victoria Wilson Corsets (www.victoriawilsoncorsets.com)
vintagelove (www.vintagelove.ca)

Find out more: http://thebazaarofthebizarre.org/

VENDOR CALL: FROST BITE - December Bazaar of the Bizarre

2011-10-12T18:50:00.001-04:00

VENDOR CALL from Plastic Wrap:

FROST BITE the first ever December Bazaar of the Bizarre.

That's right we've done it again.. first it was the halloween marketplace.. then we added the Spring Circus sideshow... now we have Frost Bite, the December Bazaar of the Bizarre! December 11th/2011, this time in the new location The Great Hall 1087 Queen st. W.

THIS WEEKEND (Fri-Sun)! Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities will be at the DISTILLERY ART MARKET!

2011-09-29T20:10:00.005-04:00

FRI., SEPT. 30-

SUN. OCT. 2

DISTILLERY ART MARKET

Friday, Sept. 30 - Sunday, Oct. 2

Everyday 11am - 6pm*

The Distillery Historic District

55 Mill Street

Parliament Street and Front Street East**

Toronto, ON

The Distillery Art Market will feature an outdoor market of artists, craftspeople and food artisans at the Distillery Historic District. Come see a wide variety of exhibitors – painting, printmaking, ceramics, fibre art and more!

This is also a great opportunity to visit the many vibrant artist studios located in Artscape Distillery Studios' Case Goods Warehouse! Tours of the building and Open Studios will take place throughout each weekend.

Visit www.distilleryartmarket.ca for a list of participants and activities.

The Distillery Historic District has been labeled as a “must-visit” location by the New York Times, Frommer’s, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail. The 13-acre arts and entertainment district comprises more than 40 heritage buildings and 10 streets, and is the largest collection of Victorian era industrial architecture in North America.

* We will be staying open late SATURDAY NIGHT due to Nuit Blanche installations and performances, Food Truck Eats Part 3, and MORE (starting around 7pm) in the Distillery District!

SEE MY WORK IN CALIFORNIA!

2011-09-24T11:28:00.001-04:00

If you are in the Yucca Valley area of California from Sept, 17 through October 31, 2011 stop in to see my work along with other talented artists at the Drawn from the Desert Art Show / Benefit!

OPENING RECEPTION:
Date: Sat, Sep 24, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location:
Tamma's Magic Mercantile
55727 Hwy 62
Yucca Valley, California
(760)228-0700

Sponsored by: Sun Runner Magazine & Glitter Bitches Handmade

Announcing "Drawn From The Desert" benefiting local artist Kim Mayhew of Ant Farm Studio (www.got-ants.com), home of the Ant Farm Gang and "Loco Folko" art. Kim recently underwent uterine cancer surgery and treatment with minimal insurance and our community is rallying to help Kim. Your donations will help with existing and future medical expenses.

The Sun Runner Magazine is hosting our Desert Writers Celebration on Saturday, September 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tamma's Magic Mercantile in Old Town Yucca Valley in conjunction with publication of The Sun Runner's fifth annual Desert Writers Issue. Desert writers and poets, including contributors to the Desert Writers Issue, will be reading from their work, and some will be hosting signings of their books during the event. There will be refreshments and the opportunity for writers and poets, who often work in relative isolation, to meet each other and share their work. In addition, The Sun Runner's Desert Writers Celebration is part of 100 Thousand Poets for Change, a global event taking place on September 24 with 650 individual events in 450 cities in 95 countries around the globe, in a demonstration and celebration of poetry to promote serious social, environmental, and political change. Poems from poets around the world will be read during the Desert Writers Celebration, in addition to works by desert poets, as part of 100 Thousand Poets for Change.

The Sun Runner is also hosting Drawn from the Desert, an arts benefit for local artist Kim Mayhew, during the hours of the Desert Writers Celebration. Donated works of art from around the country have been arriving as part of the benefit to help raise funds for Mayhew's cancer treatment. The works will be on sale Saturday evening. Drawn from the Desert is a collaborative benefit by The Sun Runner Magazine, Glitter Bitches Handmade, and Tamma's Magic Mercantile. The public is invited to attend the Desert Writers Celebration and Drawn from the Desert arts benefit, to listen to writers and poets read their work, meet them and discuss their work, obtain signed copies of their books, and browse works of art for sale to raise funds in support of a local artist.

The Sun Runner Magazine is the magazine of the real California desert. The publication is based in Joshua Tree, and will celebrate its 17th birthday in January, 2012. The magazine now reaches from Borrego Springs to Death Valley and Lone Pine, and is available at more than 500 locations across the California desert and southern California.

WORLD DOMINATION SCHEDULE: Sept 2011 !!!

2011-09-20T22:36:00.005-04:00

SUN. SEPT. 25

ARTIFY

at WORD ON THE STREET

Sunday, Sept. 25 from 11am - 6pm

BOOTH #325

Corner of Hoskins and Queen's Park Circle

Toronto ON

Artists Garden Cooperative and Artify have reserved a booth (BOOTH #325 corner of Hoskins and Queen's Park Circle) in the WRITERS BLOCK section at the Word on the Street Festival and Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities' alternative greeting cards will be there! Stock up on Thank You, Christmas, Valentine, Birthday and everyday notecards with a snarky sense of humor!

TUES., SEPT. 27

DANFORTH COMMUNITY MARKET

Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 4pm - 8pm

AccessPoint

3079 Danforth Ave.

Toronto, Ontario

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities will be joining 20 other vendors selling makeup, jewellery, clothing, personal services and MORE! AccessPoint will also be hosting an all candidates debate!

FRI., SEPT. 30-

SUN. OCT. 2

DISTILLERY ART MARKET

Friday, Sept. 30 - Sunday, Oct. 2

Everyday 11am - 6pm

The Distillery Historic District

55 Mill Street

Parliament Street and Front Street East

Toronto, ON

OUT-OF-THE-COUNTRY

If you're near Yucca Valley California please stop by the

"Drawn From The Desert" Art Show/Benefit

SHOW DATE: September 24, 2011 through October 31, 2011

Opening Reception is Saturday, Sept. 24 6pm-9pm

At Tamma's Magic Mercantile

55727 29 Palms Hwy

Yucca Valley, CA

Sponsored by: Sun Runner Magazine & Glitter Bitches Handmade

Announcing "Drawn From The Desert" benefiting local Morongo Basin artist Kim Mayhew of Ant Farm Studio, home of the Ant Farm Gang and her signature "Loco Folko" art. Kim recently underwent uterine cancer surgery and treatment with minimal insurance and the art community is rallying to help someone who has given so much over the years. Your donations will help her with both existing and future medical costs related to this diagnosis.

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities' donations:

"Lost and Found"

Mixed media on wood

$30

"Desert Rose"

Mixed media on 6x6 canvas

$50

WORLD DOMINATION SCHEDULE: JULY!!!

2011-07-07T16:07:00.000-04:00

SAT. JULY 9

THE WRECKING BALL:

A Scream UnFestival Event

Saturday July 9 from 8pm - 1am

The Hard Luck Bar

812 Dundas St. West

Toronto, ON

$8 at door

(please visit ^ for extended info

on Poets and Bands participating)

This summer, The Scream Literary Festival is taking place in Toronto for the final time. To honour the Scream, we're throwing a party celebrating the two best things on the planet earth: poetry and heavy metal.

The Poets:

angela rawlings

Damian Rogers

Chris Doda

Dani Couture

The Bands:

Sylvus
http://sylvus.bandcamp.com/

Vilipend
http://vilipend.bandcamp.com/

Ein Traum

(members of Gates)
http://gatesritual.bandcamp.com/

Come give the scream the wake it deserves. Bring your livers and your earplugs.

The Scream is dead; Long live the Scream!

Awesome poster by Matthew Daley http://www.shinypliers.com/

SPONSORED BY: Canada Arts Connect! http://canadaartsconnect.com/

SAT. JULY 16

ART in the PARK

Saturday, July 16th from 10am - 4pm

Harrison Estate Park

1859 Kingston Road

Scarborough, ON

drawing, illustration, painting, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, pottery, jewelry, photography, glass works, original textiles, fibre arts, and more!

Art in the Park is an annual juried outdoor community arts festival held in the beautiful parkland surrounding the Scarborough Arts building.

On Saturday, July 16, 2011 artists will have the opportunity to connect with the community, sell their original work and discuss ideas and practices.

Art in the Park is a one-day event and is open to all artists working in fine art and craft.

COME SEE ME!!!

World Domination Schedule: JUNE 2011 !!!

2011-05-20T17:54:00.000-04:00

SAT. JUNE 4

SUN. JUNE 5

MAKE IT

2011 Spring Arts and Crafts Show

Saturday June 4 from 7 - 11pm
Sunday, June 5 from 12 - 5 pm

The Gladstone Hotel

1214 Queen St. West

EyeSpyArt Collective on FB

Hosted by Kiran Thind and Moriah Bacus

The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto will play host to the 2nd annual Make It Arts & Crafts Show, featuring a variety of works for sale created by local artists, designers and craftspeople. The proceeds from this event will benefit the Furniture Bank, a Toronto-based charity that furnishes homes for families in need by providing gently used household furnishings from donors to their client base.

Visitors can check out works for sale from over 25 vendors located in the 2nd floor artist studios. Vendors will be showcasing a wide range of items including paintings, furniture, jewelry, beauty products, baked goods and one-of-a-kind home and fashion accessories. Guests at the Saturday night opening party will be treated to music from local DJs The Vinyl Den and Matt Gracie and will enjoy refreshments while they shop. Participants have donated pieces of their work to be raffled off and all funds will be donated to the Furniture Bank.

SAT. JUNE 11th

EyeSpyArt Collective

Spring Show Spectacular

Saturday June 11 from 12-5pm

Cameron House

408 Queen Street West

From The Eye Spy Damsels:

We are planning our Spring Show Spectacular! Taking place on JUNE 11 2011 @ The Lengendary CAMERON HOUSE! from 12-5!!!! It is going to be an amazing day! We are taking over the front and back rooms of the Cameron House and packing it with amazing artists selling their awesomness! As well as some bbq and tons of drinks at the bar :D

*more info on this event to come!*

Fun'Raiser! MAY 19 @ 9PM @ BUDDIES!!! See you there!!!

2011-04-21T13:33:00.001-04:00

The beautiful and wonderful Stacey Laureyssens of theOriginalFace.ca is throwing me a Fun'Raiser! A huge thanks to her and to all the amazing performers who are donating their time!!! I love you all!

I hope that you'll be able to join us!

Thursday, May 19 · 9:00pm - 11:30pm

Buddies In Bad Times Theatre

12 Alexander Street

Toronto, ON

Fun'Raiser for The Artist Who Lost Her Sight

An artist's fight against Pseudotumour Cerebri and the resulting pain and vision deterioration.

http://theartistwholosthersight.blogspot.com/

...theOriginalFace.ca wants to help raise funds for this Artist by putting on a Cabaret will ALL Profits going to help pay for a surgery that was not covered by OHIP.

@ Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

Thurs. May 19, ‘11 @ 9pm

12 Alexander St @ Yonge

$10 Online and @ the Door

http://FunRaiser.eventbrite.com/

Please Donate Online if you cannot attend.

Already on the Performance Bill:

Miss Kitty La Croix from Down Under- Australia

Impersonator Filipino Elvis - Steve Comilang

Red Herring AProfessionalDistraction.com

Sketchy the Clown TorontoClown.com

Fan Tan Fanny of The Firecrackers

Li'l Relly of The Firecrackers

Winchester: Mind Over Body

Obskyura Obskyura.com

Kitty Kerosene

Cherry Temple

Doppelganger

Ab Horrence

And Winner of the 2011 Toronto Strip Search Trixi Jones

If you are Performer and would like to Donate your Talent to the Cause

please email - WinchesterMOB[at]gmail[dot]com

with a Video Link of Your Favourite FUN Act if possible

Vendor Call Newsletter Questionnaire

2011-03-02T16:19:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone!

As most of you know, I'm pretty on top of the craft show scene here in Toronto. I participate in as many shows as humanly (and financially!) possible. Over the years, I've been asked by fellow artists to keep them apprised of vendor calls across the city and I have to the best of my abilities.

But my list of artist friends has grown and grown and keeping everyone up-to-date (via email and Facebook) has become quite a task! That's why I'm asking you all to fill out this questionnaire: For less than a cup of coffee per month, you can receive vendor calls from in and around the city! Let me spend the time trolling the internet for artistic opportunities... all you have to do is check your email and apply!

So, sound good?

PLEASE TAKE MY QUESTIONNAIRE!

WORLD DOMINATION SCHEDULE: March !!!

2011-02-26T15:12:00.003-05:00

FRI. MARCH 4th

CRAFTSTOCK FESTIVAL

Fri. March 4th

8PM - 2AM

Kapisanan Phillipine Center For Arts And Culture

167 Augusta

(Kensington Market)

Toronto, ON

DIY craft culture and indie-folk music seem to go together so perfectly in my mind, I decided to make a night out of it with some of the best Toronto-based bands and artists of the genre at the super cool Kapisanan Phillipine Center For Arts and Culture in Kensington.

spirit oak: bre (broken telephone) and mark (thin hotel)'s wonderful super folk duo opens the night with - you guessed it - super folk awesomeness.

http://www.myspac...e.com/THESPIRITOAK

LUM (first rate people sideproject): though first rate people were not able to play due one member's absence, first rate person liam sanagan will be playing a set with or as his sideproject LUM. i would expect insanely hooky folk-pop if his band material is anything to go by. I've been told he will be "rocking the beats."

http://www.myspace.com/firstratepeople
http://www.myspace.com/lumtunes

union duke: phenomenally fun indie-bluegrass band. i lived in halifax for a year and am not the biggest fan of bluegrass, but these guys are amazing and everybody who's seen them says so.

http://www.myspace.com/unionduke

the elwins: indie twee folk pop awesomeness. check out the video for sitting pretty on their myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/theelwins

seoul: fashion-folk from ben landau (formerly of burn planetarium) and crew.

http://www.youtube.com/user/icommaemily#p/u/5/Q0BGF_L25M8

the box tiger and friends (unplugged set): the box tiger have been gaining a lot of momentum in the indie scene, but i asked them if they could unplug for the night and play an acoustic set to show people another side of the band they don't usually see. not only will they be playing their own stuff, but some they'll be joined by some other friends for a little songwriters circle towards the end of the night. stay tuned to find out who will be joing them.

http://www.myspace.com/theboxtigermusic

and there will be a small crafts fair going on. get there early to check out what's for sale while things are quiet, cuz later it's going to get...less quiet...

Crafters at the show will include:

kate swan - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fierce-Deer-Jewelery/182722618434845

kristin wulff - http://www.knottednest.blogspot.com/

natalie amber - www.etsy.com/shop/thegild

lindsey davis - http://CaterpillarPeacock.artfire.com/

mel smith - http://www.artfire.com/users/KaoticEkkosCuriosities

$6 cover
$4 beers
19+
doors at 8

SUN. MARCH 20th

THE BAZAAR OF THE BIZARRE

Sun., March 20th

11AM - 7PM

Pia Bouman School For Ballet, 6 Noble Street

6 Noble street

Toronto, ON

Plastik Wrap is pleased to announce, that we are organizing a spring version of "The Bazaar of the Bizarre"

Theme for this event is CIRCUS SIDE SHOW.

http://thebazaarofthebizarre.org/
...
If you have not been a part of the last bazaar and do not know what to expect...it is a Marketplace for all things macabre, exotic, whimsical and just right out freaky, fun, interesting, cool and some bizarre of course. ;)

The event will be held Sunday, March 20th, 2011 at 6 Noble Street (Queen West of Dufferin).

The event is free to attend and child friendly.

Expect to have loads of fun accompanied by amazing.....music, dancing, shopping, treats...

Music by:
Jonah K http://www.teknotribes.com/
Drumatix Six http://www.youtube.com/user/Drumatix606

Performances by:
The Serpentina North Ensemble

LOTS MORE SHOWS COMING UP THIS SPRING/SUMMER!

STAY TUNED!

IN THE MEANTIME, FIND ME ON ANY OF THESE SITES:

WORLD DOMINATION SCHEDULE: ♥♥♥ January and February ♥♥♥ !!!

2011-01-13T17:10:00.001-05:00

FRI. JAN. 21

GIRLESQUE 6

Fri. Jan. 21st

9PM - 1AM

Revival Nightclub

783 College Street
Toronto, ON

TICKETS

An evening of elegance featuring the creme de la creme of Burlesque's finest. Get out of the cold and get HOT this coming 2011 with January's best burlesque exposition- the original Girlesque.

Headlining acts, direct from NYC Amber Ray, and special appearance by the first lady of burlesque and legend April March, Tanya Cheex- Canada's finest, Montreal's Mlle Oui Oui Encore as well as performances by GCB's Fionna Flauntit, GCB'...s Dolly Berlin, GCB's Mina LaFleur,GCB;s Belly dance beauty Aviva,GCB's Chaos Divine, GCB's Glamour Puss Burlesque,GCB's The Harlettes, plus Queen street Can-Can by the Saucy Tarts and special guests, Legend Miss Mitzy Cream, The incredible Patte Rosebank, St Stella and the strange and amazing Obskyura-

Musical guest- Kella Watts, chanteuse and upcoming star.

Hosted by none other then the Legendary Great Canadian Wolfman!!

Tickets available for holiday stocking stuffing at Good Catch 1556 Queen West and all great Canadian burlesque shows!! $25 in advance $30 at the door, $45 V.I.P priority seating and meet and greet with special gift.

Sat Jan 22 Burlesque workshop with Miss March - free to V.I.P ticket holders

Brought to you by Mill Street Brewery, Christian D and the Hangovers, Great Canadian Burlesque, MOPO Photography, Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities, Blonde Moxie Makeup, Pin Up Parlour, Floral fetish design and Monster Muffin Custom gear!!

SAT. FEB. 12th

EROTIC ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR

Sat. Feb. 12th

12PM - 8PM

The Gladstone Hotel

1214 Queen St. West

Toronto, ON

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities is thrilled to share a table with Rae Matthews at this year's Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair! Don't be shy... come out and be naughty with us!

About the fair:

The Toronto Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair is a one-of-a-kind sexy fair that brings together artists and crafters just in time for Valentine's Day. Knitters, crafters, zinesters, card makers, and artists of all types will be creating erotic objects for this one day celebration of DIY sex and romantic culture.

World Domination Schedule: ☃ NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER ☃

2010-11-24T19:12:00.001-05:00

Sat. Nov. 27
&
Sun. Nov. 28

ARTISANS' GIFT FAIR

Sat. Nov. 27

Sun. Nov. 28

12-6pm

TRANZAC

292 Brunswick Ave.
Toronto, ON.

WEBSITE

Every year during the holiday season, The Artisans' Gift Fair hosts a fine collection of affordable one-of-a-kind gift products. Vendors gather at the Tranzac, located in the Annex at Bloor and Brunswick, displaying quality handcrafted gifts that range from funky contemporary to a sophisticated classic style. Whether you're buying for a friend or loved one, or buying for yourself, you're guaranteed to find a treasure.

Sat. Dec. 4

PARKDALE BAZAAR

Sat. Dec. 4

11am - 5pm

Masaryk-Cowan Community Center

220 Cowan Ave.

at Queen St. West
Toronto, ON

Parkdale Community Development Group (PCDG) presents the vintage and handmade market series.

The Parkdale Bazaar provides locals with an outlet for showcase and sales to promote craft, recycled and homegrown merchandise. As a response to the neighborhood's thriving vintage and craft communities the event will take place 5 times throughout the year and include over 60 vendors.

The Parkdale Bazaar Holiday Edition is our biggest and... best market of the year. The event will take place in the Masaryk-Cowan Community Center (220 Cowan Ave.) from 11AM – 5PM on December 4th, 2010 and will feature a hot chocolate station, Christmas card portrait studio and vintage Christmas special marathon.

Christmas Card Portraits:
Holiday portraits can be a little cheesy, especially with a 90’s Christmas Eve backdrop and Rudolf sweater. Why fight it? Come have your corny portrait taken by guest photographer Jillian Botting. It’s free! And we’ll provide everything from the antlers to Christmas sweaters, so come with friends and get silly.

Vintage Christmas Special Marathon:
Remember when Will hatched a harebrained scheme to have Boyz II Men perform at Little Nicky’s Christmas Eve Christening? Or the time Ricky was homeless on Christmas and Angela tried to save him with help from a mysterious homeless ghost? …Here’s your chance to remember all those lost television gems of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s at our Vintage Christmas Special Marathon. It’s free! And happening all day, so grab a cup of coco and enjoy!

VISIT PARKDALELIBERTY.COM FOR MORE DETAILS!

Sun. Dec. 5

THE SNOW DAY HOLIDAY MARKET

Sun. Dec. 5

12-5pm

Gladstone Hotel

in The Ballroom

1214 Queen Street West

Toronto, ON

WEBSITE

The Snow Day Holiday Market is a holiday themed show and sale for local artisans, crafters, designers, bakers and retailers. The mission of the event is to give artists, entrepreneurs and retailers an opportunity to connect and showcase their wares with the community in a fun and inviting atmosphere.

The focus for the show will be gift-giving and holiday:

Indie arts and crafts (stationary, cards, toys, small sized artwork)
Fashionable gifts (jewellery, accessories)
Homemade food (baked goods, preserves)
DIY presents (ornaments, stockings, warmwear)
Vintage

Sun. Dec. 12

THE 12 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS

CRAFT SHOW AND SALE

Sun. Dec. 12

10am-3pm

Canadian Corps Legion Hall

201 Niagara Street

Toronto, ON

Last minute seasons shopper? Can't find that gift with a certain Je ne sais quoi? Well let us help you!

The Great Sudini Proudly Presents:
THE 12 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW & SALE!!

A merry mixture of over 20 local vendors, all showcasing their unique handmade crafts for the holiday season! Take a break from the usual shopping mall madness and come experience some Christmas cheer with hot cocoa, cupcakes & crafts!!
Hope to see you!

Net proceeds will go towards the Toronto Humane Society.
We will also be collecting canned goods for the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Fri. Dec. 10 - Mon. Dec. 27

Methinks' Holiday PopUp Art Shop Village

Project 165

165 Augusta Ave

Toronto, ON

roject 165 is thrilled to present Methinks’ Holiday PopUp Art Shop Village: a contemporary art and craft showcase housed inside a life-size diorama, curated and art-directed by Ryan Ringer.

Shop Hours: December 10 - 27, 12 - 6pm daily

Closed: December 25, 26
...
Press Preview: Friday, December 10, 6 - 8pm

Holiday Party: Friday, December 10, 8pm - 12am

This playful space of curiosity and wonder, featuring the work of 50-plus local and international creators, promises to take the drudgery out of the holiday gift-seeking experience, making it fun and memorable while giving new meaning to the term “presentation is everything.”

Methinks' Holiday PopUp Art Shop Village is more than a sale. It's a conversation about quality, craft and the business of persuasion in Toronto’s art scene. Says Ringer: “This is a rare and special opportunity for a general audience not just to find special stocking-stuffers, but to consider the exhibition as a work of art, to have a magical encounter. Moreover, it challenges traditional art sale formats and raises the bar for anyone working with the popup shop concept in Toronto.”

Past Holiday PopUp Art Shop Projects include a replica of the livingroom-museum of the fictional curiosity collector Uncle Ronnie Graham (one of Ringer’s many alter egos), and a faux-stone-and-mortar Chris’mas cottage made of cardboard and papier-mâché. This year, Ringer and his specially chosen crew of collaborators will build not just one popup shop but an entire village of popup shops inside Project 165’s storefront exhibition space in Kensington Market.

For sale will be artist books, painting, ceramics, illustration, sculpture, dollies, greeting cards, fashion and home accessories, artist-performed dinners-for-two, dioramas, hand-printed t-shirts, posters and other one-of-a-kind finds.

Participants Include:
Alex Bowron
Catharine MacIntosh
Cheryl Mendoza
Colleen McKeown
Dana De Kuyper (Damned Dollies)
Daeve Fellows
Elly MacKay
Eric Cheung (Orphans)
Gillian Manford
Gregory Elliot
Jaime Leon
Katie Webb
Haena Kim
Inkyung Choi
Jeremy Kai
Jin Chun
Jenny Kuri
Julia Burton
Kristine Heilenday
Lisa Ng
Laura Heaney
The Larry Sanders Collective
Leo Zylberberg
Nicole Varney
Peter Kalyniuk
Ryan Ringer
Ryan Solski
Samantha Dizon
Shari Kasman
Tara Winterhalt
The Spooky Astronauts Club
Tiberius Papp
Tyler Schwarz
Yoojin Guak
and others

Price Range:
$20.00 - $200.00 (with some exceptions). New goodies will be added regularly.

COUPON CODE FOR FREE SHIPPING!

2010-10-20T14:45:00.000-04:00

ATTENTION PEOPLE!

My online store is at 13333 views!

Enter coupon code 13333 and get FREE SHIPPING!!!

Hurry... coupon is only good until midnight (EST)!

World Domination Schedule for OCTOBER!!!

2010-09-14T16:20:00.000-04:00

Sat., Oct. 9th

EBMFEST 2010

Sat., Oct. 9 - 10

5:30PM - 2AM

The Opera House

735 Queen St East
Toronto, ON

TICKETS

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities is thrilled to team up with A Clockwork Zero to bring you bizarre and original art and accessories. Shop while listening to some amazing music!

It's true... all the good stuff comes out at night!

Sun., Oct. 10th

BAZAAR of the BIZARRE

Sun., Oct. 10

11AM - 7PM

Pia Bouman School

for Ballet & Creative Movement

6 Noble St.

Toronto, ON

FREE

A Marketplace filled with amazing vendors: Artists, designers, craft-folk, publishers and other independent makers of all things exotic, whimsical and macabre are assembled to attack all of your senses.

Sat., Oct. 23rd

Dia De Los Muertos

Festival of the Arts

Sat. Oct. 23 - 24

2PM - 2AM

The El Mocambo

464 Spadina Ave.

Toronto, ON

FREE (before 7pm)

55 Mill St, Building 74, Studio 410

A celebration of Craft, Dance, and the art of Performance..... not your average Craft Fair.
On October 23rd we will be hosting a 2 part celebration of all things Indie/Rock/Rockabilly/Goth

and Industrial. Crafts, Fine Art, Music & Dance in all its abnormal glory.

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities in this month's Auxiliary Magazine!!!!

2010-04-03T13:39:00.000-04:00

Check out Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities in
this month's Auxiliary Magazine (pgs 48-57)! All accessories are
available at www.KaoticEkkosCuriosities.artfire.com!!!

World Domination Schedule for MARCH!!!

2010-03-04T12:59:00.004-05:00

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities is absolutely thrilled to be participating in the Octopus Project XI: HELLO!

Octopus Project XI: HELLO!

SAT. MARCH 6

12pm-6pm

SUN. MARCH 7

12pm-5pm

CASE GOOD WAREHOUSE

DISTILLERY HISTORIC DISTRICT

Toronto ON

Facebook

Website

A little about the Octopus Project:

The OCTOPUS PROJECT provides an outlet for artists to continue making art by offering a challenge to create. The challenge is issued as a spark—an idea or image—sent out every eight weeks for interpretation by the artists. The interdisciplinary community of Octopus Project artists creates a shared visual representation of diversity through one theme with many voices.

And this is going to be AMAZING!

A Night With the March Hare

SUN. MARCH 14th

Doors 7:30pm

REVIVAL BAR

783 College Street

Toronto, ON

$25 at the Door ~ $20 in Advanced

MarchHareCabaret.EventBrite.com

*Group Rates Available Online*

theOriginalFace.artfire.com

Winchester: Mind Over Body Present

“A Night with the March Hare”

Fabled Beauties, Handsome Princes,

Mystical Magic & Frightening Freaks

Hosted by the Canadian Wolfman

Brought to You By theOriginalFace.ca &

***NEW SPONSOR*** 103.9 PROUD FM

***NEW SPONSOR*** NORTHBOUNDLEATHER.COM

***NEW SPONSOR*** GoodForHer.com

20-Something.ca

The Coco Framboise School of Burlesque at cocoframboise.com

DrSketchy-Toronto.com

Featuring Performances by

Dr. Mysterion with a PHD in ESP ~ MysterionTheMindReader.com

Natalie Fullerton appearing as Charlotte Webber from Les Coquettes

~ NatalieFullerton.com ~ LesCoquettes.com

Frenchie Fatale ~ GlamourPussBurlesque.com

Tanya Cheex ~ SkinTightOuttaSight.com

Dew Lily ~ BoylesqueTO.com

Ava Noir ~ AvaNoir.com

Appearances by:

Aviva ~ Cabaret Bellydancer

Esther De Ville of Starlight Burlesque

Red Herring ~ A Professional Distraction

Kiki La Fleur ~ Hula Hoopist

Cerise Noir of the Atomic Cherries

Winchester: Mind Over Body

Special Guest

PyRomeo

Cherry Temple

Just added to the Bill

New Comer Trudy Dare

The Lovely Lucky Minx

and Wrong Note Rusty of BoylesqueTO.com

Bring $$$ for Drinks, Treats, Raffle and Vendors

Brett-Despotovich.com

KaoticEkko.artfire.com

LittleFoxesDesign.blogspot.com

cochonnoir.ca cochonnoir.blogspot.com

Flier Illustration by Katherine-Piro.com

(anti) VALENTINE ITEMS NOW 25% OFF @ Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities!!!!

2010-02-26T16:07:00.000-05:00

(anti)VALENTINE ITEMS
NOW 25% OFF
@
Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities!!!
Hurry! Before they're gone!
(And $1 from each product order will be donated to help Haiti!)

KaoticEkkosCuriosities

Sell Crafts

Excuse me? You want HOW MUCH for a canvas drying apparatus?!?

2010-02-24T15:21:00.000-05:00

So... I've been working on multiple paintings at once and have found that there isn't a lot of room to stick them while they're drying. I did a lazy search for "canvas holders" (I guess you would call them) and of course, as with anything that is associated with a single use, they aren't cheap: http://www.dickblick.com/categories/dryingracks/details/. Now, I realize that they let you dry quite a few canvases at a time, but they're HUGE and I don't have that kind of room (or money!).

Enter Dollarama. I found a plastic desk organizer for $1.25. (Pay no attention to the newspaper... I enjoy using the singles ads in the back of the paper as a desk protector... every so often I will paint a mustache on a model.)

I realize the organizer will only hold three canvases at a time, but really, how many more can I work on simultaneously without going mad?

Now with a little twine I found lying around I anchor it to a shelf...

And TA-DA!

Perfect! I have room for one or two more. I'll probably install one more just in case I need the space.

Anyway, I know it's not MENSA material, but I always love to share!

SHOWS!!!! This SATURDAY (FEB. 6) and next TUESDAY (FEB.9)!

2010-02-05T12:36:00.004-05:00

SAT. FEB. 6

THE BURLESQUE BAZAAR

SAT. FEB. 6

11am-6pm

RANCHO RELAXO

300 College St.

Toronto ON

"Glamour is what I sell, it's my stock in trade."
-Marlene Dietrich

"Glamour is something you can't bear to be without once you're used to it."
-Loretta Young

Ladies and Gentlemen, come get your Valentines supplies at The Burlesque Bazaar! We have everything from pasties, jewelry, fascinators, lingerie and ever Japanese Rope Bondage Lessons!!

Workshop Schedule - each workshop is $5 to participate

Crash Course in Tango(BASIC BEGINNER TUTORIAL) 11:30am

Stocking Tease Workshop w/Esther De Ville - 2pm

Belly-Dance Burlesque Workshop w/Emmanuelle La Gitane - 3pm

Japanese Rope Bondage Lessons - 4pm

There will also be a swap meet area open to all Burlesque Dancers and Glamour Enthusiasts alike!!! Bring your old costumes, jewelry, supplies or fascinators to trade and barder with!!!

Cover: PWYC (suggested $2)

FEB. 9

It Had To Do With Love

TUES. FEB. 9
7-10pm
SADIE'S DINER

504 Adelaide Street West

Toronto, ON

On Tuesday, February 9th Sadie's Diner will host the opening reception for our first group show which will feature work by artists including:

Fiona Smyth
Brandon Steen
Lisa Vanin
Karina Lapierre-Douglas
Fern Choonet
Hugh Steele
Charlie Berger
Alex Davey
Tisha Smyles
Renita Filatre
Bruno Franco
Melissa Hamel-Smith
Vanessa Arnold
Jessica Upton Crowe
Alder Dunlap
Sam Ferrara

UPCOMING SHOWS: Sat. Jan. 30th and Sat. Feb. 6th!!!

2010-01-29T17:51:00.000-05:00

JAN. 30

GIRLESQUE REVIEW

SAT. JAN. 30

8pm-1am

REVIVAL NIGHTCLUB

783 College St.

Toronto ON

An evening of decadence. Come and join Toronto's premier Burlesque entertainers for a night of sinful striptease featuring Top performers from Skin Tight Outta Sight, The Atomic Cherries, The Harlettes, Starlight Burlesque, Glamour Puss Burlesque, Pink Velvet, and indy stars Fionna Flauntit, Molly Mishap, Priscilla Pussycat, Ceci My Playmate, Demonica De Morte, and Red Herring plus more.

Sponsored in part by 103.9 PROUD FM
(be sure to tune in because they are a kick ass station)

The Revival Nightclub will continue to rock and roll afterward with DJ Misty Rock and Roll

Tickets are available at Sunnyside tattoos (1658 Queen West) or through Paypal mentalmagicmysterion@yahoo.ca $20 in Advance / $25 door 8pm

This is a show that we are going all out for!! It's Girlesque- Girlesque- Girlesque!!!

Group discounts available.

SAT. FEB. 6

THE BURLESQUE BAZAAR

SAT. FEB. 6

11am-6pm

RANCHO RELAXO

300 College St.

Toronto ON

"Glamour is what I sell, it's my stock in trade."
-Marlene Dietrich

"Glamour is something you can't bear to be without once you're used to it."
-Loretta Young

Ladies and Gentlemen, come get your Valentines supplies at The Burlesque Bazaar! We have everything from pasties, jewelry, fascinators, lingerie and ever Japanese Rope Bondage Lessons!!

Japanese Rope Bondage Lessons are taking place at 4pm and you will be charged $5 to partake it the lesson.

Cover: PWYC (suggested $2)

There will also be a swap meet area open to all Burlesque Dancers and Glamour Enthusiasts alike!!! Bring your old costumes, jewelry, supplies or fascinators to trade and barder with!!!

The "Did You Know...?" WINNER is Xane and Dane Dravor !

2010-01-02T15:38:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone for sharing where you come up with all your amazingly awesome ideas!

Xane and Dane Dravor are the winners! Your surprise will be mailed shortly!
(Winner was chosen by RANDOM.ORG)

Thanks again everyone! Hang in there for a FACEBOOK FAN contest soon!

20% OFF holiday items... GONE after MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!!!

2009-12-31T16:25:00.003-05:00

Check it out! The following are 20% OFF until Midnight tonight (EST)! After midnight they'll be GONE until next winter! To make things even easier, you can check out right from this page! And enter coupon code HAPPY2010 for FREE SHIPPING! How can you go wrong???

UPDATE 1/2/10: The sale is over and all winter items have been retired until next year! Below please find current holiday items as well as year-round prodcuts. ENJOY! (PS You can still buy right from this page! INCREDIBLE!)

KaoticEkkosCuriosities

Sell Handmade

Receive money gifts for the holidays? Buy something cool... like ART!

2009-12-26T19:14:00.003-05:00

Three posts in one day? What the what?!?!?

Anyone have holiday gift money burning a hole in his pocket?

Here's a couple of places to get your spendin' on!

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities - 20% OFF Holiday items until 12/31/09 AND FREE SHIPPING on everything with code HAPPY2010 until 1/31/10!!!

After Christmas Handmade Sales - A list of handmade artist studio sales compiled by Krissi "Skelekitty" Sandvik. Krissi is holding a BOGO sale of her prints and 20% off Rubber Stamps! Check out her blog to find more great sales as well as her coupon codes!

2nd Annual Holiday Pop-up Art Shop - Live in Toronto? Wanna get out, go somewhere cool and feel 'artsy?' Check out MeThinks' Pop-up Art Shop at Project 165 in Kensington Market! Described as "Alice in Wonderland meets Santa's Workshop meets Tom Waits as a gingerbread man lost in the Land of Misfit Toys" not only will you leave with something cool, you'll also have conversation fodder for hours! Hurry, exhibit ends 12/31!!!

The Rage - Still lookin' for something to do in TO? The Rage in Kensington is having a Boxing Week Sale! Save 15% on EVERYTHING until 12/31!

So use your holiday funds wisely...

help a handmade artist buy a loaf of bread and a couple slices of bologna.

You'll feel sophisticated and we'll have a sandwich.

Great deals in the shop! FREE SHIPPING and 20% off Holiday items!!!

2009-12-26T13:15:00.003-05:00

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities

Did you know...?

2009-12-26T08:59:00.000-05:00

Did you know that I come up with most of my creative ideas in the bathroom? Weird, huh?

Where do you come up with most of your ideas? Comment with your answer and someone will win a surprise on January 1st!

[ Winner will be chosen via random number generator (ie probably my husband) ]

LAST MINUTE SHOPPERS: There's still time to shop local and handmade!

2009-12-18T21:05:00.003-05:00

DEC. 19 AND 20

ARTISANS' GIFT FAIR

SAT. DEC. 19, 2009

AND

SUN. DEC. 20, 2009

12-6pm

TRANZAC

292 Brunswick Ave.

Toronto, ON.

Whether you're buying for a friend or loved one, or buying for yourself, you're guaranteed to find a treasure.

FREE ADMISSION!!

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities on the 100MileFinds.com Blog!

2009-12-13T22:54:00.001-05:00

The lovely ladies over at 100MileFinds.com showed up at the Underground Craft Show I was vending at this Saturday! It was wonderful to meet them and then I came home to this! Thanks so much!

***

The Purple Thumb, Wise Daughters and beyond!
Saturday morning Susan and I headed off to the Purple Thumb. We hadn't met Jamie yet and she is putting on a craft show every Saturday in December! You know how Susan and I can't resist a craft show! The Purple Thumb has an amazing thing going on. A great selection of local clothes designers, jewelers and accessory designers are available for sale! The store has a great vibe about it. Downstairs, among others Dear Sukie, and Cheryl from Pabrika had booths set up too! I'm almost finished my Christmas shopping!!
A special hello to Dylan! Welcome!

From there we headed off to the Underground Craft Show held by Yvonne of Torched Studios. Yvonne's work is absolutely beautiful, check it out. It was literally under Boba, a clothes store/Dim Sum restaurant (I love Toronto!). You headed through the kitchen to discover a bunch of great jewlery designers, card makers and a painter! Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities was there, Melissa is one of those great characters that confirms, yet again, that shopping local, and getting to meet the artist, is the only way to go!

We stumbled across another event at the Burroughs building with a ton of great local artisans.
It never ends! Here I met Clare from 'The Brit Boutique'. She had this AMAZING bag for the knitter in your life! You've got to check out her site, make sure you let her know I sent you! I'm giving you her email address because I had trouble getting through to her site and seriously, if you have a knitter on your list, she has the gift! clare@thebritboutique.ca

From there we headed back to the west end of town and grabbed a much needed coffee, tea for Susan and fabulouso muffins at Crema. It's on Dundas W. at Quebec. Then we stopped by Wise DaughtersCraft Market, love that place! Got even more shopping done!!
Phew! What a day!
Shirl

***

Check out some of the amazing artists I had the pleasure of bonding with at the show:

AHARA Holistic by Mei Lee Fong - info [!at] Ahara [dot]ca

Fine Art by Amita Sen Gupta

Be Good to Her by Ashley Catania - ashcatania [!at] hotmail [dot] com

Honey Thistle

Leila Cools

And thanks to Yvonne of Torched Studio for putting everything together!

Get your Handmade Holiday Shopping done THIS WEEKEND!!!

2009-12-11T23:50:00.000-05:00

DEC. 12

UNDERGROUND CRAFT SHOW

SAT. DEC. 12, 2009

12-6pm

557 Queen St. West

Toronto, ON

(enter through Boba [bright yellow] storefront )

The shopping season is here so get off your asses and get to the Underground Craft Show. It is the last one ever so don't miss your final chance!

An unbelievably talented group of people. And the variety is endless!

Check out the website for more details.
www.wix.com/undergoundcraft/show

DEC. 13

RANSACK THE UNIVERSE

SUN. DEC. 13, 2009 ONLY!!!

11-7pm

RANSACK THE UNIVERSE

1207 Bloor St. West

(east of Lansdowne, below Vintage69)

Toronto, ON.

Indie Christmas Markets at RANSACK THE UNIVERSE

Who needs the dreaded MALL when you can find genuine and interesting gifts while supporting local artists and artisans!

Multiple vendors offering groovy and creative gifts: jewelry, clothing, bags, accessories, cards and paper goods, baked goods, soaps, plush toys, t-shirts, paintings, prints, pet stuff, odds & ends and loads more.

Please help spread the word!

Your Plans for THIS Weekend: ART SHOWS Dec. 10, 12, & 13!!!

2009-12-07T10:10:00.003-05:00

DEC. 10 - OPENING

2nd Annual Holiday PopUp Art Shop

OPENING: THURS. DEC. 10, 2009

6-11pm

PROJECT 165

165 Augusta Ave.

Toronto, ON

SHOP RUNS FROM Thurs. Dec. 10 - Thurs. Dec. 31

Open daily from

12-8pm

*closed Dec. 24 & 25

http://www.methinkspresents.org/

Methinks Presents the 2nd Annual PopUp Holiday Art Shop: a conceptual art & craft showroom installation, where last-minute holiday shoppers will discover unique hand-made gifts, by over 50 creators, in an unusual retail setting. Picture: Alice In Wonderland meets Santa’s Workshop meets Tom Waits as a gingerbread man lost in the Land of Misfit Toys.

This year’s wares, ranging $20.00 - $200.00, include artist books, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, creative service packages, raffle items, dollies, baked goods, fashion accessories, tshirts and more.

Grab your secret Santa list, slip into a cozy winter sweater and pop by Project 165 on Friday December 10, 6 - 11pm, for a silent auction, red light specials and hot cocoa with marshmallows. Live performances TBA.

Methinks has been a radical force in independent Canadian cultural activity since 2003 and has been featured in Canadian Art Magazine, the Toronto Star, CBC's The National, the National Post and other media outlets.

DEC. 12

UNDERGROUND CRAFT SHOW

SAT. DEC. 12, 2009

12-6pm

557 Queen St. West

Toronto, ON

(enter through Boba [bright yellow] storefront )

The shopping season is here so get off your asses and get to the Underground Craft Show. It is the last one ever so don't miss your final chance!

An unbelievably talented group of people. And the variety is endless!

Check out the website for more details.
www.wix.com/undergoundcraft/show

DEC. 13

RANSACK THE UNIVERSE

SUN. DEC. 13, 2009 ONLY!!!

11-7pm

RANSACK THE UNIVERSE

1207 Bloor St. West

(east of Lansdowne, below Vintage69)

Toronto, ON.

Indie Christmas Markets at RANSACK THE UNIVERSE

COME SEE ME! ART SHOWS ACROSS TORONTO! Dec. 10, 12, 13, 19 and 20!

2009-12-05T21:15:00.011-05:00

DEC. 10 - OPENING

2nd Annual Holiday PopUp Art Shop

OPENING: THURS. DEC. 10, 2009

6-11pm

PROJECT 165

165 Augusta Ave.

Toronto, ON

SHOP RUNS FROM Thurs. Dec. 10 - Thurs. Dec. 31

Open daily from

12-8pm

*closed Dec. 24 & 25

DEC. 12

UNDERGROUND CRAFT SHOW

SAT. DEC. 12, 2009

12-6pm

557 Queen St. West

Toronto, ON

(enter through Boba [bright yellow] storefront )

The shopping season is here so get off your asses and get to the Underground Craft Show. It is the last one ever so don't miss your final chance!

An unbelievably talented group of people. And the variety is endless!

Check out the website for more details.
www.wix.com/undergoundcraft/show

DEC. 13

RANSACK THE UNIVERSE

SUN. DEC. 13, 2009 ONLY!!!

11-7pm

RANSACK THE UNIVERSE

1207 Bloor St. West

(east of Lansdowne, below Vintage69)

Toronto, ON.

Indie Christmas Markets at RANSACK THE UNIVERSE

DEC. 19 AND 20

ARTISANS' GIFT FAIR

SAT. DEC. 19, 2009

SUN. DEC. 20, 2009

12-6pm

TRANZAC

292 Brunswick Ave.

Toronto, ON.

Whether you're buying for a friend or loved one, or buying for yourself, you're guaranteed to find a treasure.

FREE ADMISSION!!

DECEMBER SHOWS across the City! (Dec. 5, 12, 19 & 20)

2009-11-30T12:48:00.007-05:00

DEC. 5

CRAFTZILLA

SAT. DEC 5, 2009

1-6pm

KATHEDRAL

651 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON

CRAFTZILLA 09

AN AFTERNOON OF CRAFTY MAYHEM
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
THE STONE SOUP COLLECTIVE

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS & ENEMIES FOR
ONE STOP X-MAS SHOPPING
AT OUR 1ST ANNUAL
PUNK ROCK INDIE CRAFT SHOW.

THE BAR WILL BE OPEN AND THE VENDORS WILL BE EAGER TO SELL THEIR HANDCRAFTED WARES.

SIT ON ZOMBIE SANTAS' LAP FOR AN INTERESTING XMAS PHOTO! (IF YOU SURVIVE)

DEC. 12

UNDERGROUND CRAFT SHOW

SAT. DEC. 12, 2009

12-6pm

557 Queen St. West

Toronto, ON

(enter through Boba [bright yellow] storefront )

The shopping season is here so get off your asses and get to the Underground Craft Show. It is the last one ever so don't miss your final chance!

An unbelievably talented group of people. And the variety is endless!

Check out the website for more details.
www.wix.com/undergoundcraft/show

DEC. 19 AND 20

ARTISANS' GIFT FAIR

SAT. DEC. 19, 2009

SUN. DEC. 20, 2009

12-6pm

TRANZAC

292 Brunswick Ave.

Toronto, ON.

Whether you're buying for a friend or loved one, or buying for yourself, you're guaranteed to find a treasure.

FREE ADMISSION!!

NOVEMBER 22 - SUNNYSIDE CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY AND NIGHT!!!

2009-11-21T19:14:00.001-05:00

NOV. 22

Sunnyside Tattoos

Customer Appreciation Day

Sunday Nov. 22, 2009

2-9pm

1658 Queen West

Toronto, ON

Come on down to Sunnyside Tattoos Sunday Nov 22 for an afternoon and evening full of fun and surprises.

We will be featuring guest performances all day and night by some of the best of the best in Sideshow and circus arts including pain proof Steve Winchester (Just featured on Much On Demand), Mysterion, Bizarrist Sia Synn, Fire Spinners, Burlesque acts and more.

AND the "Shop Sunnyside" zone will be up and rolling with Vendors from all areas now having their products sold at the shop. Everything from Hair products to fashion accessories, wrestling merch to corsets- from the top indy vendors in Toronto.Great Holiday gift ideas.

Food and drinks will be served all day- ON US as well as special rate gift Certificates available for Holiday presents (Believe me it's a great deal).

And meet and greet with our artists to inquire about your next piece. They will all be down at the shop to happily answer any questions you may have.

As we come upon our one year Anniversary this Jan (I know it's insane how time flies) we feel it's necessary to thank those who have supported us in our first year, and give you a little fun on a chilly Sunday.

Bring a friend or ten and come on down to Sunnyside, Parkdale's premier tattoo and sideshow parlour.

NOVEMBER ART SHOWS!!! Shows on Nov. 21, 22 & 28!

2009-11-09T14:54:00.010-05:00

NOV. 21

Swansea Craft and Bake Sale

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009

10am-3pm

Swansea Public Gyms

207 Windermere Ave.

Toronto, ON

(Enter thru Community Center - doors at 15 Waller Ave)

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities is excited to announce she will be vending at this holiday sale!

Christmas decorations, handmade candles, chocolates, gourmet preserves, jewelry, toys and stocking stuffers. Where else can you shop, see Santa, get a tattoo, eat lunch and buy great one-of-a kind items?

Funds generated from the craft sale admission is given to families in need in our community to help them during the holiday season.

Admission:
$2 Adult
$1 Child or
$5 Family pass

NOV. 22

Sunnyside Tattoos

Customer Appreciation Day

Sunday Nov. 22, 2009

2-9pm

1658 Queen West

Toronto, ON

NOV. 28

Underground Craft Show

Part Deux

Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009

12pm - 6pm

http://thebazaarofthebizarre.org/

557 Queen St. West
Toronto, ON
(enter through Boba [bright yellow] storefront )

Eclectic Indie Craft Show

The countdown is on, start your shopping!

Some new vendors!

Jewellery, skin care, silk screened t's, textiles, bags, photography and more!

All items are handmade and locally made!
Support your local arts community!

www.wix.com/undergroundcraft/show

Operation Utilize Supplies (OUS) :: Project No. 1

2009-10-30T18:41:00.000-04:00

I should get super duper multi points for this post! Because: (a) it's my second post for today; and (b) I've used multiple hoarded supplies!

Firstly, not very excitingly however, I primed a 6" x 8" canvas board and a 2" x 2" stretched canvas. I am hoping to work on the canvas board tonight.

Secondly, and this one is exciting, I've finally cracked into my Doodlebug Sugar Coating Gitter assortment! I've only had it since February and haven't opened it once! I've just stared at the pretty colors in the adorable little jars. The reason it hasn't been touched is because I was afraid that I'd go through the glitter too fast! But there is a deceivingly large amount of glitter in each of those jars! Check it out:

So I'm over a couple of my little bumps. I shall be using more canvas in the future. I will most definitely be using more glitter in the future! (Probably to Husband's dismay. I'm pretty sure he'll be coming home to glittered cats one of these nights!)

*Deep exhale* So far so good... no crying or throwing things. Let's see if we can keep this up! What Supplies have you Utilized today?

Get Over It!

2009-10-30T13:59:00.002-04:00

I have a problem. I think I've mentioned it before. I am a hoarder. I like to "save" my craft supplies: canvas, paper, embellishments... even paint! I'm afraid I'm going to waste them by making something ugly. I hate throwing things away.

I made this last night:

It didn't come out right. I hate it. I was experimenting with crackle medium. It doesn't work on canvas board and it makes it look like I don't know how to paint solid white lines! So what do I do with it? Throw it away?

I could tell within the first few minutes it wasn't going to be what I wanted. I was tempted to give up. But I'm trying something new. I'm trying to use my supplies. But it hurts...like physically. My mind screams, "You're wasting it!" "You'll never be able to find that *insert supply here* again!" "It's ugly...you'll just end up throwing it away!"

So. I'm starting Operation Utilize Supplies (OUS). And I'm going to post the projects whether I love them or not. I'm not going to commit to a daily thing... that's too much pressure. But I am going to post everything... even if it's hideous! However, I still have to figure out what to do with pieces that I abhor... any suggestions?

SUNDAY 10/25! COME SEE ME at the BAZAAR OF THE BIZARRE!

2009-10-24T18:00:00.002-04:00

I'd like to apologize to everyone for not being at the Underground Craft Show at Torched Studio today. Unfortunately Hubby came down with a cold/flu-type dealie and decided to share. ;) So today was a stay-at-home-and-recuperate day and I'm feeling much better.

I will be attending the Bazaar of the Bizarre tomorrow (Sunday 10/25). The details are below! It promises to be a frightfully good time with art, music and candy!

I will also be attending the Underground Craft Shows scheduled for November 28th and December 12th!

Thanks for your understanding (esp. Yvonne!) and get-well wishes! See you tomorrow!

BAZAAR of the BIZARRE!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

11:00am - 7:00pm

Pia Bouman School of Dance

6 Noble Street

Toronto ON

Plastik Wrap is pleased to announce, that we are taking over the organization of "The Bazaar of the Bizarre 2009" from The Royal Sarcophagus Society. RSS will be working with us to insure a smooth transition. We thank them for all of their support and input.

If you have not been a part of the last bazaar and do not know what to expect...it is a Halloween Marketplace!

Artists, clothing designers, craft-folk, publishers and other independent makers of all things exotic, whimsical and macabre are encouraged to join us for this eccentric emporium of curious crafts, to be held Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 6 Noble Street (Queen West of Dufferin).

We are quite excited about it being THE Halloween shopping destination.

Bizarre Vendors:

* Baby's First BOO!
* Batwings & Battleaxes
* Beat Black
* Bibelot Forest
* Biomechanical Candy
* Bird at the Window
* BitchCraft
* Burning Effigy Press
* ChiZine Publications
* Creepy Christine
* Cristina Campolieto
* Curious Oddities
* Dirty Little Secrets
* Eden Bachelder Fine Art and Illustration
* Edenwool
* Freya's Braids Handcrafted Jewelry
* Joey Suriano
* Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities
* Magda Trzaski
* Monster Kookies
* Monster Muffin
* My Ghoul Friday
* neatTreats
* Plague Doctor Apparel
* Plastik Wrap
* Random Pretty Things
* Retro G Couture
* Sci Feye Candy
* Sew Scary
* She's Batty Designs
* Sick On Sin
* Sword in the Stone Crafts
* The Gnarled Branch
* The Royal Sarcophagus Society
* To Die For Designs
* Undeadclothingco
* Valkyria Art & Jewellery
* Victorian Charm Jewelry
* vintagelove
* WORN Fashion Journal

View Larger Map

THIS WEEKEND (10/24 & 10/25)! COME SEE ME! Underground Craft Fair and Bazaar of the Bizarre!

2009-10-20T15:40:00.005-04:00

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities is thrilled to be vending at the following shows this weekend!!!

The retail store you enter the studio from is called "Boba" (storefront is bright yellow)

UNDERGROUND CRAFT SHOW

Saturday, October 24, 2009

12:00pm - 6:00pm

Torched Studio

557 Queen Street West

Toronto ON

http://www.wix.com/undergroundcraft/show

The first of 3 craft shows at Torched Studio.

Spend your money on something healthier than Halloween candy.

Featuring jewellery, bags, silk screened t-shirts, steampunk, soap, rockabilly and vintage items.

November show - Saturday the 28th.
December show - Saturday the 12th.

View Larger Map

BAZAAR of the BIZARRE!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

11:00am - 7:00pm

Pia Bouman School of Dance

6 Noble Street

Toronto ON

http://thebazaarofthebizarre.org/

Bizarre Vendors:

TODAY!!! (10/18) See Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities @ THE MIDNIGHT MARKET!

2009-10-18T12:07:00.000-04:00

MIDNIGHT MARKET
Sunday, October 18, 2009
7:00pm - ?
Augusta House
152 Augusta Ave.
Toronto, ON
*map at end of post*

The Midnight Market provides a space for artists to make connections, socialize, build community, sell and exhibit their work and have FUN! This is a dance art party....

The night is filled with performances, DJs and hosts up to 20 varied art makers from craft and design to photography and painting.

Aritsts:
Heidi Gabriela
dAeve Fellows
Amanda Ho
Donna and Emma Reel
Devon Lang Wilton
Priya Narasimhan
TKO Creations
Stella Cade
Emma Smith
Melissa Hamel-Smith
Yoko Nomura-Kurukuru Crafts
Plaental Dream
Numero Seis
Anthony Vilanova
Katelyn Di Giulio
Stephen Carroll

Performances:
Olivia Davies and Robin Howell
Wolf J McFarlane
Brescia Bloodbeard and Ally Greey

DJ
Kalmplex Seen

See Me This Weekend: Comrades in Craft - 10/17 and Midnight Market 10/18 !!!

2009-10-14T18:01:00.002-04:00

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities will be vending at the following venues this weekend!

Come out and see me!

COMRADES IN CRAFT

Saturday, October 17, 2009

10:00am - 4:00pm

St. David's Church Hall

49 Donlands Ave.

Toronto, ON

*map at end of post*

Not your Granny’s macramé – Comrades in Craft is a showcase of Toronto area indie crafters – a revolving cast of creative types who recycle, re-purpose and craft hack their handmade goods. Organized by Andrew Duff and Danielle Holke, the show aims to celebrate do-it-yourself crafting by bringing together like-minded makers and devotees to sell, share and socialize.

Comrades in Craft: a DIY arts and crafts uprising!

OCTOBER 17 SHOW VENDORS INCLUDE...

DEBI BRENNEN – HANDBAGS, CLUTCHES & JEWELRY
VICTORIA COWAN – DRAWINGS & GREETING CARDS
KARIN DAFONTE – FUSED GLASS JEWELRY
DANA DE KUYPER – DOLLS & SILKSCREENED WEAR
ANDREW DUFF – HAND-PAINTED POTS & COLLAGES
ELIZABETH ELLIOTT – KID’S CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
MELISSA HAMEL-SMITH – VOODOO DOLLS & CARDS
DANIELLE HOLKE – BOTTLE CAP JEWELRY
BECKY JOHNSON – ARTIST BUTTON SETS
ANDREW KELLNER – HANDCRAFTED POTTERY
MICHELLE KEYES – HALLOWEEN GOODIES
JENNIFER MORRIS – UNIQUE WEARABLE ART
DEEDEE MOSCOE – CROCHETED WIRE JEWELRY
SHARON MULHOLLAND – CATNIP-FILLED CAT TOYS
PRIYA NARASIMHAN – BOTANICAL BATH & BODY GOODS
LISA PIJUAN-NOMURA – COLLAGE ART
LEENA SALEM – FOAM CD HOLDERS & CARDS
DREW SAUVEUR – SILKSCREENED T-SHIRTS
CATHERINE WOOD – HAND-EMBROIDERED CARDS & DECOR
KRISTEN WULFF – CUFFLINKS, BUTTONS & MORE

* THIS IS A CASH ONLY EVENT *

Full Details and Artist Profiles: http://www.comradesincraft.com

Follow Comrades in Craft on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/comradesincraft

MIDNIGHT MARKET

Sunday, October 18, 2009

7:00pm - ?

Augusta House

152 Augusta Ave.

Toronto, ON

*map at end of post*

The Midnight Market provides a space for artists to make connections, socialize, build community, sell and exhibit their work and have FUN! This is a dance art party....

The night is filled with performances, DJs and hosts up to 20 varied art makers from craft and design to photography and painting.

Aritsts:
Heidi Gabriela
dAeve Fellows
Amanda Ho
Donna and Emma Reel
Devon Lang Wilton
Priya Narasimhan
TKO Creations
Stella Cade
Emma Smith
Melissa Hamel-Smith
Yoko Nomura-Kurukuru Crafts
Plaental Dream
Numero Seis
Anthony Vilanova
Katelyn Di Giulio
Stephen Carroll

Performances:
Olivia Davies and Robin Howell
Wolf J McFarlane
Brescia Bloodbeard and Ally Greey

DJ
Kalmplex Seen

Tricks that Treat!! Mysterion's Halloween Burlesque and Variety Hootenany

2009-10-13T11:07:00.000-04:00

Tricks that Treat!!

Mysterion's Halloween Burlesque and Variety Hootenany!

Tuesday, Oct. 13

9:30pm-?

Mitzis Sister

1554 Queen West

Toronto, ON

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities is thrilled to announce that we will be vending at this amazing Mini Circus being put on by Mysterion! Come by to wish him a Happy 30th Birthday!

From the Facebook Event:

WOW what a freakishly ghoulish night of incredible burlesque, sideshow, and rock and roll from beyond the Grave. It's Mysterion's 30th Birthday on the 31st but due to an unfortunate event about to occur that will render a show then impossible, we will be celebrating Halloween at Mitzis Sister on Oct 13th with a variety of KILLER acts.

Joining us are The Sara and Jeff show (Sara Skellington and Jeff of the Matadors), The amazing hula sensation Sadie Spins, 2009 female vocalist of the year Ginger St.James, Starlight Burlesque's Emmanuelle Le Gitane, Legendary magician and escapist Michael Telstarr, The always hilarious Sketchy the Clown, Comedian Ryan Markey, The terrifying Boil-esque of Molly Mishap, Hex appeal of Cerise Noir and Fionna Flauntit, and the rubber girl St.Stella. Belly dancer Aviva and the bizarre magic of Sia Synn, Wolfman and Doctor Mysterion and much much more!!

We are starting this one early as it's a night guaranteed filled to the cauldrons brim of incredible and terrifying acts!!! Over 20 planned!!! and the best part is it's a recommended donation of only $5 admission !!! Tricks that treat!!

Vendors- Boudoir photography, Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities, and Ankixa Risk Jewelery on hand so you can get an early pressie for that special someone- Me (wink!)

http://ghoulsguild.blogspot.com/

☠ UPDATE No. 2 ☠ TRICK or TREAT 2009 !!! ☠ UPDATE No. 2 ☠

2009-09-29T17:22:00.000-04:00

TRICK or TREAT 2009

Presented by the Ghouls Guild

October 1 - 13

13 days of deals, prizes, and spooky fun

from Artfire's creative creatures of the night!

Featured Member Schedule

Check out the members of our guild below for lots of treats (yes, deals and sales)!

October 1 - Skelekitty | Surpreyes

October 2 - HuckleberryArts | 2 of Mind and Spirit

October 3 – Aquariann | 6060 |

October 4 – She’s Batty Designs | Rocker Chic

October 5 - Koti Beth Designs | Simply Smiss

October 6 – Rouxbee | Kaotic Ekko’s Curiosities |

October 7 – House Morbid | KitCameo

October 8 – Debvandet Designs | Liz Miera

October 9 – Rsisland Crafts | Morgaine-du-Mer | Virago Creations

October 10 – Amy’s Holiday Gifts | Diane Cipollo

October 11 – JenniferLynn Productions | My Magic Me

October 12 – 49Stocker | A and M Boutique

October 13 – Sisters of the Moon Designs | Bloodshred DIY

SALES!!!

Check out the sales that will be going on during Trick or Treat 2009!

These sales are valid from Oct 1st to Oct 13th 2009 (unless stated otherwise)

Shop: Morgaine-du-Mer

Coupon Code: 10HALLOWEENIE10

Details: 10% off all shop categories except original ACEOs

Shop: House Morbid

Coupon Code: ANABEL LEE

Details: 20% off your totally order. One use per customer.

Shop: Rsisland Crafts

Coupon Code: Ghoul's Guild TrickorTreat2009

Details: 20% off (this coupon code is valid for the whole month of October)

Shop: Kaotic Ekkos Curiosities

Coupon Code: TRICKORTREAT2009

Details: 13% off

Shop: She's Batty Designs

Coupon Code: GHOULS

Details: Free Shipping on all Canadian and US orders.

Shop: JenniferLynn Productions

Coupon Code: halloween13

Details: Free shipping

Shop: Simply Smiss

Coupon Code:

Details: Buy 2 get items and get free US shipping or 1/2 off international shipping. Will refund the different or post a custom listing (no coupon code required). Simple Smiss is closed until Oct 5th.

Shop: Devandet Designs

Coupon Code: devandet15

Details: 15% off

Shop: A and M Boutique

Coupon Code: AANDMBOUTIQUE

Details: Free shipping on Halloween and Wiccan Items

Shop: Mad Science Creations

Coupon Code: GHOULS09MSC

Details: Free Shipping on US and Canadian orders (coupon code is valid for the entire month of October)

Shop: Rouxbee Design Boutique

Coupon Code: n/a

Details: "I will be pulling sneaky sales, and randomly turning my whole entire shop on sale by either 5%,
10%, or 15% sporadically for a total of 30 minutes-2 hours on a DAILY basis."

PRIZES!!!

Check out the prizes you could win during Trick or Treat 2009!

Stay tuned info on the Scavenger Hunt and Blog Giveaways!

NEW IN THE SHOP - BAT!: Curious Creature! Pin

2009-09-28T19:29:00.000-04:00

Available now at Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities!

NEW IN THE SHOP! Get in the holiday spirit with Jack!

2009-09-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

Available now at Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities!

DEALS! PRIZES! SPOOKY FUN! TRICK or TREAT 2009 Presented by the Ghouls Guild

2009-09-24T14:28:00.010-04:00

TRICK or TREAT 2009
Presented by the Ghouls Guild
October 1 - 13
13 days of deals, prizes, and spooky fun from Artfire's creative creatures of the night!
Please visit the Ghouls Guild blog for more information.
http://ghoulsguild.blogspot.com

Featured Member Schedule
Check out the members of our guild below for lots of treats (yes, deals and sales)!

October 1 - Skelekitty | Surpreyes

October 2 - HuckleberryArts | 2 of Mind and Spirit

October 3 – Aquariann | 6060 |

October 4 – She’s Batty Designs | Rocker Chic

October 5 - Koti Beth Designs | Simply Smiss

October 6 – Rouxbee | Kaotic Ekko’s Curiosities |

October 7 – House Morbid | KitCameo

October 8 – Debvandet Designs | Liz Miera

October 9 – Rsisland Crafts | Morgaine-du-Mer | Virago Creations

October 10 – Amy’s Holiday Gifts | Diane Cipollo

October 11 – JenniferLynn Productions | My Magic Me

October 12 – 49Stocker | A and M Boutique

October 13 – Sisters of the Moon Designs | Bloodshred DIY

Stay tuned for more info on the Scavenger Hunt and Blog Giveaways!

Printing on Newspaper - A Tutorial

2009-09-09T11:24:00.009-04:00

Printing on Newspaper - A Tutorial

*click on photos for better view*

So, I'm pretty proud of how this experiment came out. I'm sure it's been done before (hasn't everything?) but it's new to me and came out of my head (probably in the shower or something weird like that...but I digress).

And without further ado, here we go!

1. Pick out a neat piece of newspaper. I was doing a French theme so I rummaged out some French newspapers I've been hording. Fit the newspaper to an 8.5 x 11 sheet of copy (printer) paper. You can even collage some pieces. Glue the newspaper to the copy paper. Make sure it's glued down all around the edges and flattened all around. I used a gluestick being it won't leave any lumps or wet the delicate newspaper.

2. Open your digital imaging software (I use Microsoft Digital Image Suite. I *love* it!) ie. Photoshop, etc. Arrange what shapes, text, etc. you'd like to print on the newspaper.

Not a great pic, but you get the point.

2. Insert your newspaper covered copy paper into your printer and print! Ta-da!

3. Ok. Now cut out your shapes. I brushed the edges on a black ink pad just to add a 'finish' to them.

4. I wanted my shapes to stand up off the card so I used one of my favorite craft items ever: 3D Dots. So I strategically place the dots on the back of the shapes (making sure all of the edges are supported otherwise they'll get crushed in the mail!).

5. Peel the backing off the Dots and adhere the shapes to the card. Make sure you know where they're going before you put them down. Once that adhesive hits the paper there's no turning back!

6. And Voila! You can use this for all types of things. My first thought was to make a template but I only needed the shapes once. I thought making a template would be too time consuming just for one card! Anyway, hope this is helpful! Feel free to leave feedback! I loves it!

Why Artfire is Awesome.

2009-08-28T22:47:00.005-04:00

I've been getting a lot of people asking why they should either sign up on Artfire or switch from Etsy to Artfire. Instead of grabbing dribs and drabs between my blog posts and messages to individuals, I figure I'll combine it all here into one big pile of awesomeness!

So let's start with the blog I wrote on August 7, 2009 entitled Inexpensive Promo for Artfire Sellers (and how to become one of the Elite). It gives information on an awesome promo the amazing Jamie Sabot of She's Batty Designs set up for Artfire artisans. The blog also goes on with a little info on why Artfire is so amazing.

Next, I had written a list to a friend about why I love Artfire. Here's the message in its entirety:

I had Etsy for a year and a half and didn't make one sale. I made a sale on Artfire the first week I was signed up. That made me happy. ;) I also had more product views in one month than I had on Etsy in a year and a half.

I'm not sure what updates Etsy has made as I haven't used it in quite some time (I've actually closed it since then), but here's some things I like about Artfire:

* Artfire lets you link to your Etsy (I know that Etsy won't let you link to any other shop), as well as your Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flickr, IndiePublic, Blogger, etc. The links show up right on your page so that people can check them out.

* You have Studio Stats which tell you which URL your product views are coming from, as well as the number of Item Views and Studio Views.

* There is a Rapid Cart which you can post on blogs and websites which allows a customer to check out right on your site without having to visit ArtFire or make an account. Artfire now has it's own Facebook app (Facebook Kiosk) where people can buy your art right from your Facebook page!

* Adding a Product is easy bc it's one page, with the option to list the product in Google Shopping search. I've received a lot of page views that way. You can also register your shop with Google Analytics which allows you to see how many people visited your shop, where they viewed from (down to City! I love looking at where people are in the world who've seen my stuff!), etc. etc.

* There is an Item of the Hour feature which randomly picks a product and it is showcased on the homepage. And I've actually been featured! Not like the notorious Etsy Treasuries where the same people are featured again and again!

* There are loads of written and video guides on marketing, photography, RSS, etc. to help promote your shop.

* You can customize your shop. And add HTML and widgets. So imagine: custome colors to match your banner, Flickr widget, blog feed, and anything else you can think up!

* The big shots of Artfire actually blog, Twitter and Plurk! Holy cow! You can talk to them! What a novel idea!

* And of course they have all the "interaction" stuff: chat, guilds, etc.

I currently have a verified account which gives you a little more, like more photo uploads and unlimited listings. Right now the verified account is $12 (usually $20). You can also set up a free account and see how you like it. I like paying a monthly fee better...this way I don't really have to think about it. It comes out of my bank account and I don't have to remember to pay the bill.

I know some of these thing are only available with a paid membership, but I definitely think it's worth it. And you should trust me because I'm cheap. My business is just starting out and I always look for the best value for my money. Signing up for Artfire was one of the best business moves I've made. And one of the best moves I've ever made as an Artist. Everyone on Artfire is dedicated to helping you grow as an artist and as a business. You have questions? You'll get answers...and not in a snarky "Ew, look-at-the-newbie" kind of way!

Well, hope this was helpful. I hope it didn't come out like an infomercial, because it's not. I believe that if you come across something good, you should share it with others.

SwapSity Swap Meet & Garage Sale THIS SATURDAY!

2009-08-25T19:28:00.003-04:00

SwapSity Swap Meet & Garage Sale!

Come buy my junk and fund my craft supply addiction!

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2009

Time: 1:30-5:30pm

Location: Walmer Road Baptist Church;Ground floor, enter from south side
188 Lowther Avenue (Spadina & Bloor); Toronto (map below)
TICKETS: Purchase tickets HERE

Description:

Melissa Smith and Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities will be at the SwapSity Swap Meet & Garage Sale on Saturday. I'll be selling gently used clothes (mostly alternative), shoes (chunky platforms, adorable flats, and more!), odds and ends (which can mean ANYTHING!).

There will also be creations from Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities! Alternative greeting cards, stuffed dolls, etc.!

A little about the Sale:

"Keep useful things out of landfills, find new treasures, free yourself from the clutter and have tons of fun trading! This green event will bring savvy swappers, garage sale fans, eco-enthusiasts, parents and thrifty shoppers together, under one roof. Hold your own garage sale or browse what others have to offer for barter or sale. With both swapping and selling taking place, it will be the ultimate garage sale and swap meet rolled into one. You can even give things away for free. It doesn't get any better than that!"

Interested in having your own table? There are still some left!

Click here for a brief list of items expected for swap/sale/free.

See you there!!!

Craft Fair Reviews: Part I (The Midnight Market by The Alt)

2009-08-19T11:48:00.004-04:00

Out of the seven craft fairs I participated in over the last three months, The Midnight Markets were the best. I'll be reviewing the others, trying not to be too hard on some of the failures...you know, just in case I decide to try them again.

The Alt's first foray into an art/music/performance event was on June 7th. As a first endeavor it was fantastic. The music was pumping, the dancing and singing was beautiful and the vendors and art-lovers were amazing. Plus, The Augusta House was the greatest venue! I had no complaints nor did I have any comments on how to make the show better...because it was already perfect.

I also took part in The Midnight Market this past Sunday (8.16.09). I thought the last show was perfect, but The Alt outdid themselves again. Excellent music, hoop dancers, exquisite art and extremely supportive customers.

The Midnight Market is everything an art show should be...love and respect among the artists, genuine compliments and comments by attendees, the marriage of art, dance and music. The show is fulfilling and you leave with great memories and new friends.

For those of you who know me know I'm not a gushy mushy over-emotional person, but this show makes me so happy...I can't wait to do it again!

Below is a slideshow of the participants for August's show. Make sure you check out the artists websites and such...they are all amazing and love what they do.

Stacey Be & Lorena Salomé
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK GROUP

* The Butterfly Project *

2009-08-12T12:36:00.009-04:00

♥ ♥ The Butterfly Project ♥ ♥

A Movement against Hate

Description

More than 1,500,000 innocent children were murdered during the Holocaust. In an effort to remember them, the Holocaust Museum of Houston is collecting 1.5 million handmade butterflies. The butterflies will eventually comprise a breath-taking exhibition, currently scheduled for Spring 2012, for all to remember.

All they are asking for is one little butterfly... Most of you know how much butterflies mean to me, so I just have to participate. I hope you'll help me help The Holocaust Museum of Houston reach their goal of 1.5 million handmade butterflies. What's a little time and a little postage?

If you decide to participate, please let me know and email me a photo of your creation. I'll post the photos on either Facebook and/or Flickr and will make sure I share the link!

More info HERE.

Hugs to you all!

Melissa

Inexpensive Promo for Artfire Sellers (and info on how to become one of the Elite)

2009-08-07T20:32:00.001-04:00

The ever fabulous Jaime Sabot of She's Batty Designs is organizing a Capturing Creativity Sampler, an innovative and inexpensive way for Artfire artists to promote their handmade goods.

The Sampler is expected to go on sale September 1st so hurry and submit your info. All you need to provide are approximately 10 promo items and postage to Jaime (London, ON).

This Sampler Promo is only open to Artfire Artisans. This is only one of the awesome projects you can take part in as a member of the Artfire Community. Interested? Register on ArtFire.com (Please select "Artfire User" under How did you hear about Artfire? and insert "KaoticEkkosCuriosities" as the ArtFire member who referred you. Thanks loads.)

In addition to the Verified Member package ($13CAD and worth every penny!) Artfire also has a FREE Basic Member package...which means you can't make any excuses! I personally had more product views and sales within the first month on Artfire than I had in a year and a half on Etsy.

Hope this helps some of you. Like I said this is only one unique marketing tool available to Artfire Artists. There are also Guilds (I'm part of the Ghouls Guild!) Handmade News interviews, the list goes on and on! Want more info? Feel free to message me and I'll let you know how else Artfire can help your business!

MIDNIGHT MARKET (No. 2)

2009-08-07T17:26:00.002-04:00

When:
Sunday, Aug 16, 2009 7:00 PM- 2:00 AM

Where:
AUGUSTA HOUSE
152 Augusta Ave
Toronto ON
Ontario

*Map at end of post*

This Market rocked so hard in June that The Alt is doing it again. I had so much fun last time and met some amazing people. Join us on the 16th...I promise you'll have a great time...not to mention you'll get to check out some of my new Curiosities!

FROM THE ALT:

A night of Amazing Art, Performances and Music to keep you dancing all night long...

Art Makers:

Alejandra Vallejo

Amanda's Jewels

Amy Drover

Brenden Dowhaniuk

Claudia Wittmann

Kasia Ulbin

Kaotic Ekko’s Curiosities

Mary Burnet

Michelene Sutherland

Natalie C

Numero Seis (No.6)

Rae Zabeth

Ruby Tuesday

Stella Cade

TKO CREATIONS

Tweek

Xenia Vakova

Yoko Nomura - Kurukuru Crafts

Performances by the amazing Lee Lee Davis and Ayo Leilani along with a few magical - surprises

DJ Reeraw spinning tunes all night

View Larger Map

SALE EXTENDED!

2009-08-03T20:52:00.002-04:00

Christmas in July Sale has been EXTENDED! Get your 3/$10 cards before I change my mind!!!

KaoticEkkosCuriosities

Buy Handmade

Marketing Strategies Interview with Melissa Hamel-Smith of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities Handmade News Marketing

2009-07-31T13:25:00.005-04:00

Marketing Strategies Interview with Melissa Hamel-Smith of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities

Posted by Jamie Sabot on Friday July 31, 2009

Melissa is an eclectic artist that decided to start selling her creations after being hounded by friends and family. Today you can find her on ArtFire under Kaotic Ekko’s Curiosities. This week she shares the online and offline marketing strategies she’s been using.

What “online” marketing strategies are you currently using?

I currently have my shop listed in various free directories (Shop Indie Online, Indie Collective, Handmade Directory). Directories are a great way to get your name out there...they're free and static, meaning there is little to no upkeep. I also have several social networking sites which I use to promote upcoming craft shows and new product: personal MySpace, business MySpace, personal Facebook, Facebook business group, Plurk, Twitter, ByHand, etc. I also just paid for a spot in the Blockhead Radio Artisan Showcase.

What “offline” marketing strategies are you currently using?

Two Toronto shops are carrying my products. I use their locations to promote upcoming craft fairs as well as additional product in my Artfire shop. Because Toronto is such a large city, it is difficult to market offline. Print ads are terribly expensive and a small business vying for a print interview is nearly impossible with all the great artistic talent in the area. I do make sure I have business cards on hand at all times. You never know when they will come in handy.

What do you find (on or offline) to be the most effective?

According to my Artfire stats a lot of my traffic comes from Plurk and Google. I also find that craft fairs are a great way to get your name out there. They put a personality to the company name. Even if you don't sell a lot, it still gets your name out there through business cards. And Facebook Events provides a GREAT way to advertise (for free!).

Are there strategies that you have found didn’t work well for your business?

Groups and Pages on Facebook. Neither of them alert you when there is a change. There is no way to know if someone joins or leaves. And there are so many Groups and Fan Pages it's hard to make yours stand out.

How do you figure out what’s working and what’s not?

Just give it a shot! Being I'm fairly new, I don't take any big money risks. If you can find free advertising that's the best of course. Small publications, business cards in local shops and post! Post! Post! Whenever I upload a product an update goes to every social network one could possibly fathom. And make sure you post it a couple of times. Not spam. Not one right after another. But there's no reason you shouldn't post it more than once a day (I try to keep it to three, otherwise people get annoyed. I know I do!). Especially on Twitter and Plurk because it tends to get lost in the sauce.

How do you decide what marketing strategies to try and when to try them?

I don't usually go out looking for marketing opportunities. I'm still a little green when it comes to advertising and it usually costs quite a bit of money. As I said earlier, the cheaper the better. The price primarily determines whether I'll advertise with that venue. I try to stay away from "price per click." It can add up fast.

Do you have a few marketing initiatives in mind that you would like to implement in the future?

I'm interested in trying Project Wonderful. It seems like an inexpensive way to advertise. That's the one I'm considering most until I have a bigger budget for marketing. And maybe slapping my husband in a sandwich board in front of the local grocery store...just kidding...maybe.

For someone who is just starting their “at-home craft business”, where would you recommend they start in terms of marketing?

Business cards. They're inexpensive. They solidify your brand and your image. Just make sure you decide on your logo and contact information. You want people to recognize your business. When I got rid of my Etsy store I had to get my cards reprinted. Make sure you think things through. Don't be afraid to ask local indie businesses if you can put a couple in their store. Also, search out free directories like the ones I listed above. If it's free or low cost and they'll take your info, do it. The internet is so wide that you know someone will happen upon it!

Anything else you would like to add?

Throw yourself out there, your heart, your soul. Obviously art is a passion for you, otherwise you wouldn't be putting in so much energy. However, if money is your main objective, just stop right now. Art lovers and artists can feel insincerity. It'll end up being a waste of your time and we'll be annoyed (and you don't want that!).

Remember, being an artisan means being part of a community. Use these resources. If you have a question, ask someone. If you need a critique, post it. Each and every artist should be willing to help another grow. That's the beauty of our gift.

Also, I'd love to thank Jamie for giving me this opportunity! You rock!

Jamie jumped from Fine Art school to the handmade world with ease! Now she calls her creations She's Batty Designs

2009 Toronto Burlesque Festival: Tease N Twirl Marketplace Part II)!

2009-07-25T17:55:00.003-04:00

Tease N Twirl Marketplace (Part II)!
2009 Toronto Burlesque Festival:
Tassels Without Borders

Thursday, July 26, 2009
3:00-6:00pm
Cadillac Lounge

1296 Queen St. W

Toronto, ON
(Map at bottom of post)

The lovely ladies of the Toronto Burlesque Festival have invited me to come back to The Tease N Twirl Marketplace! This one will be at the Tiki Brunch at the Cadillac Lounge!

A little about the festival:

The Toronto Burlesque Festival is an exciting four-day whirlwind of bump ‘n grind! Our Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of burlesque and variety entertainment.

Artists from many different mediums are coming together at many events and workshops held at popular Toronto venues. The Toronto Burlesque Festival includes an Art Show (in partnership with Dr. Sketchy Toronto), a Photography Exhibit, and a Burlesque Bra Auction with all proceeds going to Boobalicious for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

View Larger Map

2009 Toronto Burlesque Festival: Tease N Twirl Marketplace!

2009-07-09T19:23:00.003-04:00

Tease N Twirl Marketplace!
2009 Toronto Burlesque Festival:
Tassels Without Borders

Thursday, July 23, 2009
6:00-9:00pm
The Gladstone Hotel - 2nd Floor

1214 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
(Map at bottom of post)

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities will be vending at The Tease N Twirl Marketplace at this year's Toronto Burlesque Festival! I know. Pretty awesome!

**The art market is free. If you want to see the Performance/ Sketch-a-thon/ Dance After Party in The Ballroom at 8 pm tickets are $20. See website for tix details: http://www.torontoburlesquefestival.com/tickets.html

A little about the festival:

The Toronto Burlesque Festival is an exciting four-day whirlwind of bump ‘n grind! Our Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of burlesque and variety entertainment.

Artists from many different mediums are coming together at many events and workshops held at popular Toronto venues. The Toronto Burlesque Festival includes an Art Show (in partnership with Dr. Sketchy Toronto), a Photography Exhibit, and a Burlesque Bra Auction with all proceeds going to Boobalicious for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.